How to Answer that Infamous Interview Question

You know the one. “What’s your greatest weakness?” or some version of it.

The good thing is, there are many approaches you can take to answering such a question, but because of that fact, it becomes a double-edged sword. In other words, it’s not black and white. When the spotlight is shining and the answer starts pouring out of your mouth, there is no grey area. You’ll either kill it, or get killed by it.

But don’t worry! As long as you take time to prepare, the hiring managers in charge of thatIT job for which you’re interviewing will be nothing short of utterly impressed.

That doesn’t mean this is a confessional, however. Were you known at your last job for being too short with answering questions? Admit it! But the words that follow are what really matter. Talk about the weakness, then discuss the measures you’ve been taking to address it. Here’s an example of what you can say:

I was known to be a little short when answering peers’ questions in my last position. It was because I value conciseness, but I can see how that would come off to some people as being rude. I’m conscious of the fact that I can act in such a way, and I’m working to treat every question I get with care, and answer thoroughly.

The hiring manager will see that you’re self-aware, and interested in working on communication and self-development.

Don’t: Turn Your Weakness into a Strength in a Cliché Way

Would it come as a surprise if we said you won’t be the first person to try and turn your “weakness” into a “strength?” Something like:

My greatest weaknesses are that I care too much, I become too invested in my work, and I have a hard time letting things go.

If you give employers a cop-out answer like that, they won’t have any trouble letting your name go off their list of serious candidates. They’ll merely see you as disingenuous, no matter how great the rest of the interview goes.

Do: Be Prepared to Discuss Two Weaknesses

The hiring employer has been around the block a time or two and almost certainly knows that you prepared the answer you just gave. Often times, you’ll be asked to present another weakness—in hopes of catching you off guard to see how you handle an unprepared difficult question. Be ready to discuss another personal weakness so you don’t blow it if they ask twice.

Don’t: Turn it Into a Joke

My Greatest weakness is that I don’t bring in an IV of coffee to run into my veins all day at work, haha amirite?

Crickets.

I’ll be here all day!

Not anymore, you won’t. Diverting the question is a bad idea, and diverting it with a joke is worse. It tells the interviewers that you’re not taking the question seriously. And if you can’t take an interview question seriously, how can you take the interview in general seriously? And if you can’t take the interview seriously, how can you take the job seriously? You get the drift. Just remember that this question is not the time to make wisecracks.

So now you know how to answer the most difficult interview question there is. Right on! But, maybe we went a bit ahead of ourselves and you don’t have an interview set up yet. No problem! Get in touch with us today to find out about how we’ll help you find IT recruiters in Charlotte, NC and close by areas.